As the Akwa Ibom state-owned Ibom Air thrives in the sky and the local commercial aviation industry, other state government has followed suit, such as Cross Rivers, with Cally Air, and Enugu with Enugu Air.
A global leader in commercial aircraft leasing and asset management, AFG Aviation Ireland Limited, has confirmed the successful lease of two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets to Cally Air, the state-backed carrier of Cross River State, Nigeria.
The aircraft, bearing Manufacturer Serial Numbers 19004 and 19009, were recently acquired by AFG from Regional One and placed with Cally Air under a finance lease agreement.
Cally Air announced the purchase of the two aircraft and handed them over to ValueJet in partnership.
In a statement, ValueJet stated the understanding allows it to manage and operate the two newly bought Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on behalf of Cally Air.
According to the agreement, under the sublease, ValueJet will be responsible for the day-to-day operating functions for the two CRJ1000s under ValueJet’s Air Operator Certificate.
The Founder and CEO of AFG Aviation, Christian Nuehlen, in announcing that the aircraft was leased to Cally Air, said this marked a strategic milestone in both AFG’s growing presence in the African aviation market and Cally Air’s fleet expansion plans.
The AFG boss said, “These modern, fuel-efficient regional jets are key assets that will help Cally Air strengthen domestic connectivity and open up new regional routes across West Africa.
“This agreement is a testament to AFG’s ability to connect global capital with local ambition.”
Senior Vice President of Commercial at AFG, Christian Hatje, also said, “Our collaboration with Cally Air reflects our long-standing belief in the opportunities this dynamic continent has to offer.”
AFG further said the lease supports Cally Air’s ambition to become a leading regional carrier while also contributing to broader goals of economic development, trade, and tourism in the region.
With a strong track record of structuring complex transactions and delivering aircraft efficiently, AFG stressed that it will continue to be a trusted partner for airlines and investors seeking growth in high-potential markets.
